We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Timofey Abel. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Timofey below.

Alright, Timofey thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you have a hero? What have you learned from them?

I can’t pinpoint a singular “hero” that I strongly connect with, but there are definitely individuals that influence my vision of culture and artistic expression. A good family friend showed us a biopic a couple of years ago based around the life of Diana Vreeland. She was a columnist and editor, primarily known for her work in Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue. Her vision, energy and life were very influential to me, especially since I was around 14 at the time and easily impressed. I remember how I felt like our lives had somehow correlated, and she understood the intricacies of being an artistic force, rather than just existing within the confines of one medium. Same goes for Andy Warhol, Halston, Peter Lindbergh, Lana Del Rey, Herb Ritts, and so on. People are my biggest inspiration. From musical artists to directors, I have always admired individuals in different areas of life. When it comes to portrait photography, Peter Lindberghs “Models: The Film” documentary with interviews of Linda, Naomi, Cindy and Christy was my favorite thing. I would rewatch it dozens of time, and I still watch it at least once every couple months. By watching Lindbergh work, as well as from interviews of the models; I realized that the most important thing in portrait photography was the connection and story. Images become iconic not for their technical value, but for the story behind the image. An Avedon of Marilyn Monroe is not the most technically astounding photo, nevertheless it’s an iconic image. Memorable imagery depicts unique and special moments in time, such as a new era of fashion, culture, and artistic expression. My interest has always been people and culture. Photography is a medium that is currently allowing me to take up space and craft a visual world.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I was born in Moscow, Russia, and immigrated to New York City at the age of 7 as a political refugee. When I was 16, I began experimenting with 35mm street photography, but I always took interest in the creative arts, including painting, music, cinematography and writing. I grew up on the road, having visited 30 countries before turning 18. Culture, history and diversity are elements I value in both my personal life and professional work. My documentary street photography slowly transitioned into portrait and fine art photography when I moved up to South Carolina from South Florida. Many describe my photography as emotional, personal and dramatic. The story behind an image matters more than the image itself. To me, the most important part of photography is storytelling and connection to the subject being photographed. Hence, I collaborate and network with as many creative individuals as I can, to create memorable imagery and uplift each other. Currently, I live and work in Atlanta, Georgia.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

The real reason as to why I love portrait photography is because I love people, and I’m genuinely interested in them. I believe everyone deserves to have a voice, and be represented as important, memorable, and timeless. That is why I do what I do – my goal has always been to work with individuals that have their own unique story and world. This includes musical artists, entrepreneurs, actors, directors, artists and so on. My photography is a way for us to come together and create something new, this includes the work and vision of the team as a whole. I create a personal connection with each subject, and then translate that into an image.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

A friend of mine had his own successful photography business. He was making a lot more than me, and had resources that seemed very attractive to me at the time. I was offered to work alongside him, and was very tempted to agree. I figured I could save up for my dream gear and etc. Nevertheless, I declined his offer. After discussing it with my family and thinking it over, I knew it was the right choice. If I had agreed, my images would be under his name, and he would be taking all the credit. Even though the financial aspect would have been beneficial to me at the time, I valued my work and vision too much to sell it. I figured that I’d rather take the long road, but have full rights over my work, and keep something that is very dear to me protected. I encourage all artists to focus on the real reason as to why they do what they do, and treasure their unique journey and vision.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.timofeyabel.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timofeyabel/

Image Credits

Photography by Timofey Abel (Atlanta-based photographer & visual artist).